[part.ner] n [ME partener, alter. of parcener, fr. AF, coparcener--more at parcener] (14c) 1 archaic: one that shares: partaker
2. a: one associated with another esp. in an action: associate, colleague b: either of two persons who dance together c: one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side d: either of two people living together; esp: spouse
3: a member of a partnership; also: such membership
4: one of the heavy timbers that strengthen a ship's deck to support a mast--usu. used in pl. -- part.ner.less adj
[2]partner vt (1611) 1: to join or associate with another as partner
2: to provide with a partner ~ vi: to act as a partner